Trombe wall
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Some call it a "dome home," but the technical term is a geodesic dome.
A geodesic design uses triangles to create a super-strong sphere structure. The shape encloses the most amount of space with the least amount of materials, making these homes very economical and earth-friendly.
The most famous geodesic dome in the world is "Spaceship Earth" at Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park.
The freestanding dome shape allows tremendous flexibility in the placement of walls and the size and shape of rooms. Nooks and crannies can be used for storage and play space.
The high open ceiling provides great ventilation and bright sunlight all day long. In the summer, warm air rises along the curved walls and escapes through windows in the top of the dome, providing natural air conditioning.
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Our four-part series explores how to handle comfort issues in a new home.
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
You have energy efficient and sustainable options when it comes to framing your new home.
An energy-smart builder will help you make the right choices for your family and lifestyle.
Your roof and attic play the most crucial role in your home's energy efficiency system, reducing your energy costs during the winter and summer.
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.